The Pentagon chief has issued a stark warning to key members of Congress about the potential consequences of passing a six-month temporary spending bill. Lloyd Austin emphasized that such a measure would have widespread and devastating effects on the Defense Department.
Austin highlighted that implementing a continuing resolution that caps spending at 2024 levels, instead of addressing the proposed 2025 budget, would negatively impact thousands of defense programs. He expressed concerns about the damage it could cause to military recruiting, especially as it is in the process of recovering from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter to leaders of the House and Senate appropriations committees, Austin emphasized that expecting the department to compete with global powers like China while under a lengthy continuing resolution would hinder its ability to be agile and make progress.
The proposed bill, which aims to keep the federal government funded for six more months, has been put forward by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, it faces opposition from more conservative GOP members due to additional requirements related to voter registration.
Congress must approve a stop-gap spending bill before the end of the budget year on Sept. 30 to prevent a government shutdown just weeks before the upcoming elections. Austin highlighted that the temporary measure would result in significant cuts to defense spending compared to the 2025 proposal, impacting key priorities and overfunding unnecessary programs.
Passing the continuing resolution would stall critical research and development projects, delay military housing and construction initiatives, and slow progress on essential weapons programs. Austin warned that the bill would also impede troop pay raises, enlistment bonuses, training for National Guard and Reserve forces, and equipment replacement.
Emphasizing the detrimental effects of repeated continuing resolutions, Austin urged Congress to break the pattern of inaction. He stressed that the U.S. military cannot effectively compete with adversaries like China if its hands are tied behind its back due to fiscal constraints.
While Johnson's bill may face challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate, Congress will need to pass some form of temporary measure by the end of September to avoid a government shutdown.
